20XX Speedrun.com Category Re-Alignment Proposal (Review)

20XX speedrun.com category re-alignment (Review version)
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For the official release version of 20XX (Versions 1.0 and beyond) I am proposing that the categories and rulesets as described on speedrun.com be realigned to those listed below. The philosophy is simple: The main categories supply the basic rulesets, while the sub-categories will describe restrictions imposed on the main category. Runs should be verified with a video submission for inclusion to the speedrun.com leaderboards.


20XX Normal / Reverent (Random seed): since the Reverent game mode only adds extra lives to a run, and losing a life will only lose time, there is no separation needed between these two categories.
 - Normal or Reverent game mode must be played.
 - Any unlocks, purchased augs, removed augs, starting core and weapon chests are allowed.
 - In-game timer will be used for submission time.
 - Run is complete the moment the Game Completed screen appears at the end of the last stage.

20XX Rush Job:
 - Rush Job mode must be played.
 - In-Game timer will be used for submission time.
 - Run is complete the moment the Game Completed screen appears at the end of the last stage.

20XX Seed Racer
 - Seed Racer mode must be played.
 - Any seed may be used, including seeds with skulls.
 - In-game timer will be used for submission time.
 - Run is complete the moment the Game Completed screen appears at the end of the last stage.

20XX Defiant: This mode's sub-categories will be defined by the skulls chosen. I would recommend only adding this category once a popular set of skulls is being run by several runners.
 - Defiant mode must be played.
 - The combinations of skulls chosen determines the sub-category for the run being submitted.
 - In-game timer will be used for submission time.
 - Run is complete the moment the Game Completed screen appears at the end of the last stage.

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Sub-Categories: speedrun.com leaderboards should be restricted to these sub-categories for simplicity. Categories can be combined for personal challenge.

20XX Low%:
 - Main category rules apply, but Low% rules supercede main category rules.
 - No weapon augs, unlocks, starting aug purchases, core augs, other augs or prototypes or repros; and no powers are allowed for the run. Run must be completed using N-Buster or A-Saber only.
 - Tokens may be collected and used, but augs must not be picked up.
 - Nuts, health and energy refills may be picked up.
 - Low% includes No Powers and No Unlock rules by default, so the same run can also be submitted to those categories.

20XX Nina / Ace:
 - Same rules as Main category, but category is character-specific.

20XX No Powers:
 - Same rules as Main category, but no powers may be used during the run. This includes Glory Zones.
 - Weapon augs, core augs, prototypes, unlocks, starting aug purchases, repros and other augs are allowed.

20XX No Unlocks:
 - Main category rules apply, but No Unlocks rules supercede main category rules.
 - Permanent Upgrades must be OFF for the run.
 - No augs may be purchased before a run.

20XX Co-Op:
 - Main category rules apply; multiple players are allowed.

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Nomenclature: To keep the multitude of category/subcategories consistent, the following nomenclature should be followed: 20XX "Main Category" (Sub-Category, if applicable.) For example, a Normal run with no additional restrictions would be classified as "20XX Normal." A Seed Racer run with Low% rules would be "20XX Seed Racer (Low%)" In the event that Defiant would be considered as a main category, the skulls would then be considered sub-categories for that mode. If a combination of Main Category and Sub-Category are not being attempted, no speedrun.com category should be added unless requested by a community member with a run submission accompanying that request.

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Why no "Any%" category?

The Any% time would be the fastest time set out of all of the main categories outside of Rush Job. This is likely to change between main categories; early records will likely be set on Normal/Reverent until an ideal seed is discovered since the permanent upgrades are not available to Seed Racer mode; and skulls that make the game speed faster are also available on Seed Racer, giving faster times to those with an elevated skill level. Your Any% personal best time would effectively be listed in the in-game leaderboards, since the leaderboards exclude Rush Job times.